TALLAHASSEE — Could a Death Star be coming to a galaxy near you?Some of the most dreaded weaponry and futuristic vehicles in Star Wars — from lightsabers to landspeeders — could become real things one day as scientists make breakthroughs in laser and other technologies.What’s commonplace far, far away is still centuries from arriving on Earth, said Murray Gibson, dean of the Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of Engineering. But modern science makes it possible to imagine, at least.“The great thing about movies like Star Wars is the imagination it takes to think about what could be possible,” he said. “As an engineer, if you want to do things that don’t violate the laws of physics, you probably can do it. It can cost a lot of money and there is a question of is it something you really need to do. But it’s a great way to stimulate imagination and stimulate technology.” More: This … [Read more...] about Science of ‘Star Wars’: Lightsabers closer to reality than a galaxy far, far away

16-year-old Ayrton Little's reaction to his acceptance to Harvard went viral on Twitter this week, and it caught the attention of Harvard's only active NBA player, Jeremy Lin.The video started with Little and his classmates at T.M. Landry College Preparatory in Breaux Bridge, La., gathering around a computer as Little checked his early-action status. Upon seeing that Little was accepted to Harvard, everyone went completely bonkers. It was an incredible scene.So great.Lin took to Twitter on Wednesday to share Little's video and congratulate him on the life-changing news.Those videos never get old. MORE: Tony Stewart was in a terrifying crash while racing in New Zealand Lithuanian guide welcomes LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball with hilarious video tour of village LiAngelo Ball said he only thanked Donald Trump because UCLA told him to Kyle Kuzma trolls Lonzo Ball over '600 dollar' Big Baller Brand hats Tony Romo reveals the secret behind his eye-opening NFL analysis … [Read more...] about Lin congratulates 16-year-old on Harvard acceptance

The man that three former Phoenix police officers forced to eat marijuana is getting a $100,000 settlement check from the city.It's far from the initial $3.5 million Edgar Castro had requested for his emotional distress and alleged civil-rights violation, but a win nonetheless.In Sep. 2016, Phoenix police officers pulled over then-19-year-old Castro for speeding. The officers found marijuana in Castro's vehicle and demanded he eat the marijuana to avoid being taken to jail, he later told the police department. Castro said he ate about a gram of marijuana, was issued traffic tickets and then released. He reported being sick as a result.The three officers — Richard G. Pina, Jason E. McFadden and Michael J. Carnicle — resigned almost immediately. Additionally, Lt. Jeff Farrior, who had been notified about the allegations but failed to launch an investigation, was demoted to the position of sergeant.Castro filed a … [Read more...] about Man who police forced to eat marijuana gets $100K from city of Phoenix

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Bryce Petty is getting another chance to prove to the New York Jets that he can be their quarterback of the future.He's their man under center right now, at the very least, and will make his fifth NFL start Sunday against the Saints in New Orleans.With Josh McCown out for the final three games with a broken left hand , it's an opportunity that Petty has been waiting patiently for in his third season.But he insists he's not focused on what it could mean for him beyond this week."Not at all," Petty said Wednesday after his first practice this season as the Jets' starter."This right here is for these guys in this locker room. I have nothing as far as looking toward the future. This right here is for these guys in the locker room, it's for Josh. He set a standard as to how to be a professional, how to be a quarterback."McCown was injured last Sunday in the Jets' 23-0 loss at Denver and had season-ending surgery Tuesday. The 38-year-old veteran was having the … [Read more...] about Petty ready for latest shot as Jets’ starting QB

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Mike Scioscia is quick to dispel any concerns about Shohei Ohtani’s right elbow. The Los Angeles Angels manager doesn’t lay out his plans for the Japanese two-way star quite as readily, but some outlines are emerging.Scioscia addressed the news media a day after Yahoo Sports reported Ohtani has a Grade 1 sprain in the ulnar collateral ligament of his pitching elbow, a possible precursor to the kind of injury that requires Tommy John elbow surgery.The Angels have said they’re comfortable with the results of Ohtani’s physical, and Scioscia reiterated that notion Wednesday at the winter meetings. MORE MLB NEWS Ohtani has damaged ligament in pitching elbow Angels acquire 2B Ian Kinsler from Tigers Scott Boras: Marlins have turned into 'a pawn shop' “The only understanding we have is really just something that's behind him,’’ Scioscia said. “There's no concern, and there's no restrictions. … [Read more...] about Angels have ‘no concern’ with Shohei Ohtani’s elbow, ponder 6-man rotation

INDIANAPOLIS – Larry Bird may never climb inside an Indy car again. However, Bird was willing to do anything, well almost anything, to help the Indiana Pacers make their successful bid to host the 2021 NBA All-Star game.Back in April, Bird delivered the city's bid to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in unique style — driving an Indy car in Manhattan. Silver delivered the game to Indianapolis on Wednesday, making the official announcement during a news conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.Bird said he was ecstatic the game would return to Indianapolis for the first time since 1985, when Bird played in the game as a member of the Boston Celtics."Back in 1985, there wasn't nearly as much to it," said Bird, now a consultant with the Pacers front office, after his tenure as both a general manager and a coach. "Now, the All-Star game is spectacle. Every venue we have downtown will be full. People will be excited, I think it will be … [Read more...] about Indianapolis wins 2021 NBA All-Star game, to be played at Bankers Life

The University of Louisville Athletic Association is countersuing former men's basketball coach Rick Pitino for damages allegedly caused by his role in recent scandals.The claim, filed Wednesday in federal court, requests Pitino repay losses that may arise from damaged business relationships, the loss of records or wins including the 2013 men's basketball national championship as well as "bonuses and other compensation" paid during that time.The countersuit claims Pitino damaged the men's basketball program's ability to make money and the university's ability to sell tickets and secure donations. More on this case If Rick Pitino wins his lawsuit, insurance may not protect University of Louisville Pitino 'very humiliated, very hurt' by Papa John comments and sensed he lost support Pitino could lose his lawsuit against U of L. But money may not be his real goal "As a result of Mr. Pitino’s breach of contract, (the University of Louisville Athletic … [Read more...] about University of Louisville sues former basketball coach Rick Pitino for damages

PBS has suspended late-night talk show host and Gulfport native Tavis Smiley amid sexual misconduct allegations, Variety reported Wednesday evening.“Effective today, PBS has indefinitely suspended distribution of ‘Tavis Smiley,’ produced by TS Media, an independent production company,” the public broadcaster said. “PBS engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation immediately after learning of troubling allegations regarding Mr. Smiley. This investigation included interviews with witnesses as well as with Mr. Smiley. The inquiry uncovered multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS, and the totality of this information led to today’s decision.” According to Variety, the investigation found credible allegations that Smiley had engaged in sexual relationships with multiple subordinates, sources said. Some witnesses interviewed expressed concern that their … [Read more...] about Report: Tavis Smiley suspended over sexual misconduct allegations

There is a blue wave sweeping the country.Tuesday night’s victory is proof that when Democrats lead with our values, when we recruit great candidates like Doug Jones and support them by organizing and investing early, when we engage Millennial and African-American voters — especially African-American women, who are the backbone of our party — we can win anywhere.Voters are rejecting Donald Trump and the Republican Party’s radical agenda and electing Democrats up and down the ballot. We have now flipped 33 state legislative seats from red to blue this year. And we’ve won in deep-red districts that Trump carried a year ago, including three state legislative seats in Oklahoma, as well as critical races in New Hampshire and Florida. OUR VIEW: After Alabama election, an opportunity for both GOP, Democrats This isn’t a coincidence. We’ve built this blue wave by investing and organizing. Just like we did in Virginia and New Jersey, the DNC … [Read more...] about DNC: Alabama voted for the right party

Merry Main Street in Mesa turned from merry to fiery early Wednesday morning after a blaze rendered the city's $40,000 Christmas tree a total loss. Officials believe arson caused the fire.Mesa firefighters and police officers were called to a fire at the tree at 2:30 a.m., according to a Mesa police statement.Officers spotted a man near the tree and began to question him. They said he admitted to setting the tree on fire with a book of matches, although he did not provide a motive.Officers arrested Samuel Antone Johnson on suspicion of one count of arson of a structure and one count of criminal damage."Despite Johnson's efforts, Christmas is not lost in Mesa," read the statement from Mesa Police. Merry Main Street is an annual holiday celebration in Mesa's downtown that includes an ice rink and holiday market. The event was brought back to the city in 2015 after getting cut in 2005. The Christmas tree, off Main Street in the city's holiday market, was … [Read more...] about Police: Suspected arson fire destroys Mesa’s $40,000 Christmas tree